NC lawmakers approve GOP-backed election changes

Bill heads to Gov. Pat McCrory

A Republican-backed measure making sweeping changes to how and when North Carolinians can vote is headed to the desk of Gov. Pat McCrory.

The bill approved late Thursday by the GOP-dominated state Legislature requires voters to present photo ID and shortens early voting by a week.

The measure also ends same-day voter registration and eliminates a high school civics program that encourages students to register ahead of their 18th birthday. Disclosure requirements for campaign ads are weakened and political parties can rake in unlimited corporate donations.